Donor Stories

DonorStories

Scott Bennion and Des Bennion

Des Bennion’sStory of Giving

The Des Bennion Family Scholarship

I have lived in Casper all of my life. I went to school at Brigham Young University and returned for a single semester at Casper College. Of all my college semesters, being at Casper College was one of my best college experiences. I had outstanding teachers. BYU had big classes where it was easy to go unnoticed, compared to Casper College where I had intuitive instructors like Mike Sarvey and Jane Katherman who recognized my potential and would not let me slide. Thanks to Casper College I was a better student when I returned to finish my studies at BYU.

When I graduated from BYU and came back home to Casper, Casper College became a part of my family. My wife, Carrie (Cottrell) Bennion (AS, ’81) and I have continued to support the arts, the T-birds, and educational programs of Casper College throughout the years.

I see Casper College as a pillar of our community. It is a draw for residents both educationally, socially and economically. It is a good place for students to receive an education before moving on in life or on to future educational goals. My brother Scott Bennion (AS, ’68), who received his associate degree from Casper College went on to become a doctor in the Army and now has his dermatology business here in Casper. He has also been a member of the Casper College District Board of Trustees since 2000. I took over my father’s business, The Bon Agency Insurance, which is now the oldest family-owned agency in the state of Wyoming. All of this got its beginnings at Casper College.

When my father passed away, we decided as a family to start the Des Bennion Family Scholarship in his honor. He valued education and always felt that education was a way to get ahead in life and give back to society and family. Scholarships help ease the financial burden on students. It’s a joy receiving letters from students in hopes that in some small way the Des Bennion Scholarship can make a difference. I remember being a student and struggling to pay for my next semester of school. I received a scholarship which made it possible for me to continue on with my education.

Casper College is still “The Great Institution on the Hill.” I love seeing young people attend Casper College as they start out on their college education path. Casper College has always had a reputation of having a highly qualified and talented teaching staff. As time goes on and things change, I still hear people brag about the instructors both past and present at the college. I consider Casper College a family and part of our family.

I hope that our Des Bennion Family Scholarship will help instill the message in student’s minds that our father instilled in each of us, “to do your best and be the best with a hope of giving something back.” That is a legacy we received from him and the legacy he would want to pass on.

Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance

The Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance (formerly American Society of Women Accountants) promotes the professional growth of women in accounting and finance. Members of the association benefit from opportunities to connect with colleagues, advance their careers, and become industry leaders. Scholarship: Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance, Casper Chapter 142

Alta G. Sanders

Alta was passionate about education. She knew that she wanted to establish a scholarship that would help future teachers in need of a hand up. She planned her estate around helping others. Many hopeful future teachers will benefit from her generosity for years to come. Scholarship: Alta G. Sanders Elementary Education Scholarship

American Association of University Women

The mission of the AAUW is to promote equity for all women and girls, lifelong education, and positive societal change. The Educational Foundation provides funds to advance education, research, and self-development for women and to foster equity and positive societal change. Scholarship: American Association of University Women Scholarship Casper Branch

American Legion Post 2

Stan Lowe was a committed member of American Legion Post 2 and worked tirelessly to advocate on behalf of Wyoming and its veterans. The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veteran’s service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in American communities. The scholarship created in his honor is a lasting tribute to his commitment to veterans. Scholarship: American Legion Post 2 Stan Lowe Scholarship

Anna Strohecker

The Anna and Louie Strohecker Memorial Scholarship memorializes the remarkable lives of Anna and Louie. Anna was a school teacher at the Empire Oil School and Poison Spider School. Louie was a WWII veteran who was captured by the Germans and was later liberated. After the war, he came to Wyoming and was one of Casper Country Club’s first caretakers. He saved enough money to buy some land and became a successful rancher west of Casper. His ranch is still in operation and owned by his heirs. Scholarship: Anna and Louie Strohecker Memorial Scholarship

Chris LeDoux Memorial Scholarship

Chris Ledoux wrote, “What I want to be known for, on top of everything else, is that I was a good husband and family man.” Chris LeDoux will also be known in perpetuity for his scholarship that was established in his memory. An initial donation encouraged others to make donations which in turn became an endowed scholarship that will be given to students at Casper College for years to come. Chris Ledoux was a member of the Casper College rodeo team and a true Wyoming cowboy. Inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame, he was a dynamic performer on the stage and in the rodeo arena, but those who knew him remember him most as a steadfast man. Education for future cowboys is a wonderful tribute to an extraordinary man. Scholarship: Chris LeDoux Rodeo Scholarship

CHS Foundation

The CHS Foundation, funded by charitable gifts from CHS Inc., was established in 1946. The CHS Foundation is focused on developing a new generation of agriculture leaders. We are achieving our goals through these strategic initiatives: advancing innovation in cooperative education, cultivating opportunity through university partnerships, growing high-impact Ag youth leadership programs and accelerating potential for careers in Ag. Together with our signature partners, we develop Ag leaders for life. For more information on CHS programs, visit www.chsfoundation.orgScholarship: CHS Foundation Scholarship

Barbara Crews

In recognition of 30 years of outstanding service, the faculty and staff of the KEY Program honored Barbara Crews by establishing a Casper College Scholarship in her name. Barbara is the founder of the KEY Program and continues to serve as its director. KEY is a summer resident program at CC that provides 6th and 7th grade students with unique learning opportunities that are not generally available in their regular classrooms. During her tenure at CC, Barbara taught future educators, inspiring them towards excellence in teaching. She served as Director of Summer School and Director of Conferences and Seminars; established the Network for Teaching Excellence, and became the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Barbara’s leadership extends beyond CC, encompassing her church and the community. Scholarship: Key Camp Scholarship

Barbara Scifers

Barbara Scifers was a powerhouse. She taught and worked in school system for 51 years. For most of her career, she was the only female administrator in the state of Wyoming. Barbara and her husband Leland donated millions of dollars to Casper College, and the Barbara and Leland Scifers Dance Performance Theatre is named for them. Her passion for education and philanthropic nature have ensured that hundreds of students and community members have benefitted from her generosity. Scholarships: Barbara Scifers Dance Scholarship, Barbara Scifers Rodeo Scholarship, Barbara Scifers Physical Education Scholarship, Leland Scifers Business Scholarship, Leland and Barbara Scifers Music Scholarship, Edna Raymond Nursing Scholarship, Charles C. & C. Dwayne Raymond Agriculture Scholarship

Bill and Peggy Simson Curry Memorial

“More often we read the sky’s templed ultimatums of spring omens of snow, portents of hail and rain. Wind scribbled messages on clouds, vowels came howling out of canyons, consonants lisped through clumps of grass” From When Words First Spoke to Me by Peggy Simson Curry. Peggy was a well-known author, Wyoming’s first Poet Laureate, and the winner of two Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America. Her husband Bill Curry was an English instructor at Casper College. The memorial scholarship established for them will continue to teach and shape future Wyoming writers. Scholarship: Bill and Peggy Simson Curry

Bill Daniels

Bill achieved phenomenal success by working hard, passionately following his instincts, acting with ethics and integrity, and treating everyone around him with respect and fairness. His word was known to be as solid as any contract. His brilliance in business was matched by his sincere compassion for people and the desire to help those in need. Bill began his business career by opening an insurance agency in Casper, Wyoming. Driving home from New Mexico in 1952, Bill stopped for lunch in Denver. A boxing match flickered on a small black and white screen behind the bar. It was Bill’s first encounter with television, and he was captivated. He learned many small towns — including Casper — did not have access to TV. As a result, Bill started building Casper’s first cable system, which launched January 1, 1954. Bill Daniels left a legacy of giving to others through a scholarship specific to Casper College. Scholarship: Bill Daniels Scholarship

Billy D. Lewis

Billy D. Lewis left a legacy of service to others. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Lions Club and a life member of the Elks; he also served on the advisory council of Natrona County Senior Council and was on the board of directors for Holy Cross Food Club. His philanthropic gesture will benefit students for years to come. Scholarship: Billy D Lewis

Bob and Susi Miller

Scott Alan Miller was born July 14, 1986 to Bob and Susi Miller. Scott was a beautiful child with beautiful brown curls and big brown eyes. He had a big brother, Mark and a little brother Paul. From early on Scott was an easygoing gentle giant. He always cared about others, especially underdogs. In kindergarten he informed his mother that “I’m gonna be in the Army, Mommy.” Little did they know that this passion would stay with him into adulthood. Scott and his brothers played “Army” out in the hay field near their country home in Casper, Wyoming. All agreed that the Miller home was the safest in Natrona County due to Scott and his brothers getting rid of the bad guys! In high school Scott became a terror on wheels. He was a follower but at the same time would take underdogs under his wing and try to fix them. He struggled in school, but once he enrolled in the Army’s Delayed Entry program and was told he had to graduate, he was on the honor roll for an entire year. Scotty was a gentle giant, standing 6′ tall, weighing in at 230 pounds of pure muscle and kindness. The only thing bigger than his body was his smile. You knew when Scott entered a room. His personality was contagious. He was a prankster extraordinaire! Some gave all….And Scott Alan Miller did just that on June 9, 2007, when he was killed by a sniper in Baqubah, Iraq while clearing a neighborhood. When Scott came home a few months prior to his death, he told his family that they were truly making a difference in Baqubah. In fact, his whole entire platoon told the family the same thing during individual conversations. Displaced families were going home, businesses were reopening and school began again. Seeing Scott in a casket, into which he barely fit because of the width of his shoulders, represented life and death simultaneously. He died so others could enjoy life. Scott came from a very close knit family. He loved the outdoors, the lake, hunting, snowmobiling and being with his family. He loved immensely and was loved by many in return. A Wyoming cowboy, he returned to his hometown of Casper and is buried overlooking the mountains, the hills, the wildlife, and the river he loved so much. All gave some…..some gave all. Scholarship: Scott Alan Miller Memorial Scholarship

Carlton and Winnie Beltz

Carlton and Winnie Beltz believed in the power of education. They lived modestly while raising two sons in Casper. Carlton had a love for archeology and Winnie devoted her career to education. They felt that education was important enough to the Casper community to establish an endowed scholarship fund to help future Casper College students for years to come. Scholarship: The Carlton and Winne Beltz Scholarship

Casper Chase 5K

The Casper Chase Fallen Soldiers Memorial is a 5K run that takes place in July each year to honor the memories of Wyoming’s fallen soldiers. Proceeds from the run fund the scholarship. Some of the local fallen heroes honored by the Casper Chase include: Army Medic Jordan Byrd, Army Pfc. Corey Hicks, Army Capt. Robert Lucero, Marine Sgt. Brendon Reiss, Army Specialist Tyler Sanderson and Army Pfc. Erin McLyman Williams. Scholarship: Casper Chase Fallen Soldiers Scholarship https://www.casperchase5k.org/https://www.facebook.com/fallenheroescasperchase

Casper College Alumni Association

In 1989, the Casper College Alumni Association became an official organization, although it functioned un-officially since around the start of the college itself. Alumni and other friends of the college receive the semi-annual alumni news magazine Footprints published by the Alumni Association. Footprints keeps alumni in the know about current events and happenings of other alumni and the college. It can also be accessed from Casper College Foundation and Alumni website. The Alumni Association oversees several scholarships and has established an endowment fund for future projects. The Alumni Association honors Distinguished Alumni and Commitment to Excellence recipients at an annual event hosted by the president of the college, gives students a gift at commencement rehearsal, and hosts the annual chili feed at Homecoming. Alumni volunteers give out doughnuts, apples, and directions on the first day of classes. The Alumni Association believes that relationships start on the first day of class and continue beyond graduation. Scholarships:Find Us on Facebook Casper College Alumni Association Outstanding Non-traditional Student Scholarship, Ellyn E. Cavanagh Nursing Scholarship, Don and Donna Klinker Alumni Scholarship, Alumni Association Class Gift Scholarship, Dickensheets Family Alumni Scholarship, Eileen Jeanette Pentecost Alumni Scholarship, Harold Boedeker Alumni Scholarship, Babcock Memorial Alumni Academic Scholarship, James and Anita Crump Alumni Scholarship, and Graduating Class Gift Scholarship

Casper College Foundation

Since 1987, the Casper College Foundation has provided over $90 million in program support, new campus buildings, scholarships, and campus beautification. In FY 2017, it provided $2.4 million in institutional support and scholarships to more than 615 worthy students in every area of study. There have been 9,700 student scholarship recipients since 1997. https://www.facebook.com/caspercollegefoundationcaspercollege.edu/foundation/about.html

Casper Mountain Lions Fund

The Lions Club mission statement states, “To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.” The Casper Mountain Lions club has promoted that cause through their endowed scholarship. They are able to give out scholarships every year to students who exemplify leadership and service. Scholarship: Casper Mountain Lions Club Scholarship

Charlene Davis

The Charlene Davis Outstanding Student Educator Award was established in 1999 when Davis retired from Casper College. Charlene Hawley Davis was born in Veteran, Wyoming in 1935. In 1953 she attended the Barnes School of Commerce in Denver, Colorado. She graduated in 1954 and worked as a legal secretary. It was during that time she met and married Don Davis and had three children, Michael, Mark and Amie. The family later moved to Casper, Wyoming. There Charlene received her AA from Casper College, her BA in English from Stephens College, and her MA from the University of Denver. She used her education to teach English and gifted classes at Dean Morgan. She then worked at Casper College in the Education Department for eighteen years. Charlene received the Burlington Northern Award for Outstanding Educators in 1991. Scholarship: Charlene Davis Outstanding Student Educator Award

Charles G. Irwin

Senator Charles Irwin was a visionary that believed in helping his community. The driving force behind Irwin Towers, a low-income housing facility in Douglas, he believed in helping those that needed a hand up. That still holds true today. He started a scholarship that awards significant money to Converse County student who have high academic achievement to attend Casper College. Scholarship: Charles G. and Ruth L. Irwin Scholarship

Charlma Kurtz Brown Memorial Donations

What started out as memorial donations to the memory of a notable woman- Charlma Kurtz Brown, snowballed into a fully endowed scholarship that will be available to aspiring paralegal students for years to come. Charlma was an academic and graduated from UNC in Greely in 1939. She went on to become a legal secretary extraordinaire who had a reputation for thorough work. Her reputation encouraged donations to pour in after her passing. Those who knew her were happy to leave education as a lasting legacy in her name. Scholarship: Charlma Kurtz Brown Paralegal Scholarship

Charlotte Babcock

When Charlotte’s husband Robert died in 2003 she wanted any monetary gifts given in his memory to be lasting and so she established the Babcock Memorial Scholarship to benefit non-traditional students. Because she was so active in the Alumni Association at Casper College it was determined to be an Alumni Association Scholarship. Casper College not only benefitted Charlotte who earned her degree at Casper College in 1949 but also her daughter Linda who had decided to go to college at a non-traditional age. She graduated Casper College and went on to further her education to achieve her Master’s Degree in Creative Non-Fiction. Scholarship: Babcock Memorial Scholarship

Children of Henrietta Neighbors

In 1966 Henrietta moved to Casper, Wyoming in 1966 with her three children Judith, Duncan, and Margaret. She was already a community leader in her previous town of Bakersfield, CA and helped play a senior role in the leadership of the United Way. She married her second husband Frank Neighbor, a long time Casper resident and geologist, in 1977. She began to use her leadership skills to help the Casper community. During her 35 years in Casper, she served as Red Cross Field Director, League of Women Voters Representative, Housing Director for the City of Casper, and Senior Citizen Representative to the Wyoming Legislature. She started the Sidewalkers and helped start the Casper Senior Center and the Hospice Center for Central Wyoming. She worked tirelessly to raise funds for United Way. Henrietta was also known to house Casper College students in need, calling her house ‘la pousada,’ the Spanish word for welcome. She was an active member of Geo Wives and she skied and hiked. Her hiking club involvement ended after she broke her hip just before her 80th birthday. Henrietta had a deep love of Casper, it’s people and surroundings. Scholarship: Henrietta Neighbors Pousada Scholarship.

Dale Hamlet

Dale Hamlet was a WWII vet, when he returned home from the war, he started working for Mobil Oil. He was transferred to Wyoming in 1948 and for 41 years he worked his way up the company. His work had him traveling around the world. After retiring as a drilling superintendent in 1980, he moved back to Casper. He loved hunting for fossils and artifacts, as well as fishing and the outdoors. The value he placed on education was evident when he included the Casper College Foundation into his estate. Today his scholarship is going strong and helping future students to obtain their goals. Scholarship: Dale and Marguerite Hamlet Scholarship

Dale Stiles Memorial

Dale Stiles was a giver. He gave back to everyone in the community and especially gave to the students he coached during his time at Casper College. He was a rodeo coach for 39 years, most of those at Casper College. He helped shape some of rodeo’s greats, Chris LeDoux, Joe Alexander, Dave Brock and Jim Davis. His love for people didn’t stop at rodeo however, he was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry, a member of the Boy Scout Council, a 4-H leader in Goshen, Laramie and Natrona counties, he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and Executive Board of National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. He helped judge at 4-H fairs and for the Wyoming Hereford Association, and conducted horsemanship and beef cattle clinics. He spent his life helping others and it seems fitting that there is a scholarship in his honor to continue helping others. Scholarship: Dale Stiles Memorial Rodeo Scholarship

Dana Van Burgh

The Dana Van Burgh Family scholarship honors Dana Van Burgh Sr. He was born in 1885 in Filley, Nebraska and came to Casper in 1917 to work with Continental Oil, operating the bulk station with his brother Shelby. His son Dana Van Burgh Jr. started the scholarship to honor his father. Dana Van Burgh Jr. grew up to be an educator, teaching science at Dean Morgan Junior High School for 38 years and later teaching in the Geology Department at Casper College. He co-authored the Casper Mountain Field Guide and now volunteers at the Western History Center. He also started the Nora Van Burgh Library Fund in honor of his wife, the late Nora Van Burgh. Nora worked for the Casper College library as a student while finishing her associate’s degree at Casper College. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Montana and later her MLS at the University of Arizona. When the Van Burghs returned to Casper in 1956, she began her career as a librarian working at the Casper College Goodstein Memorial Library for 35 years until her passing in 1991. The library fund was created in her honor. Scholarship: Dana Van Burgh Family Scholarship

Dolores Lee Medcalf-Skelton Bicek

Dolores “Dee” Bicek was an extraordinary woman. She graduated from Northwestern University with a BS in Nursing and also obtained her MA in Adult Education from the University of South Florida. She was a registered nurse for 34 years and served as the Director of Education and Vice President of Nursing at Manatee Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed traveling the world with family and friends and was active in her retirement. In 2006, she was voted the Wyoming Female Athlete of the Year by the Wyoming Senior Olympics. She was passionate about history and was an active member of the American Association of University Women. She believed in the underdog and second chances, her scholarship is a testament to her belief that perseverance is an admirable trait. Her memory will live on through the students who are also working hard to achieve their goals.

Don Galles

The Ann Galles Scholarship was created in memory of Ann Galles. She met and later married Donald Galles in 1949 and moved to Casper. They were married for 55 years and raised a large family. Ann was the mother of six children, grandmother to 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The endowed scholarship created in her honor allows Wyoming students to attend college for years to come. Scholarship: Ann Galles Scholarship

Ellyn Cavanagh

Dr. Cavanagh was the 2002 Distinguished Alumna of Casper College. Her career has centered around neonatal nursing and care of children, particularly those in critical condition. She was a clinical nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the University of California at LA Medical Center. She also collaborated on the development of the Infant Medical Dispatch Center and expanded the nursing program. She volunteered her services at Hospital Universitario del Valle in Cali, Columbia, S.A. as a consultant-neonatal intensive care nurse. She was responsible for the clinical education and support of the nursing staff. Cavanagh was Assistant Professor of Nursing in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Georgetown University and as a pediatric nurse practitioner in the Division of Child Neurology, she focused on children with complex neurological and behavioral disorders. She has worked as a critical care nurse and educator at many hospitals. She has written and received many grants for her concentration on critically ill children. She currently practices at the Everett Clinic in Anacortes, Washington. Scholarship: Dr. Ellyn E. Cavanagh Nursing Scholarship

David and Fred Frech

The Dick Frech Scholarship was established by David and Fred Frech in honor of their father, Richard “Dick” Frech who was known for his love of learning and sharing it with others. He co-founded Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Casper and volunteered with United Way, Mended Hearts Literacy Volunteers and the Salvation Army. His sons learned to love fishing and hunting with their father. Fred Frech, who sustained a spinal cord injury on his high school graduation day lives in Denver and recently retired from 30 plus years of working in a rehabilitation hospital. David Frech lives in Casper as owner and operator of a used furniture store. Their continued support has given this scholarship the opportunity for students to obtain a college education. Scholarship: Dick Frech Scholarship

Friends of Greg Lance

The Greg Lance Environmental Science Scholarship honors Greg Lance. Greg received an Associate of Science degree from Casper College in 1977 and another in Applied Science in fire technology in 1990. Greg was a certified ski instructor, mastered the art of sailing and loved hiking. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1989 and retired from the Casper Fire Department due to the progressive effects of his MS in 1999. He passed away in May of 2015 and his friends established this scholarship in his memory. Scholarship: Greg Lance Environmental Science Scholarship

Jim and Audrey Bailey

Jim and Audrey Bailey came to Wyoming with their families in the early 1900s as children and were married just before WWII. They spent most of their lives near Casper, raising four children. They were successful ranchers and owners of the Bailey School Supply Company, one of the foremost suppliers of educational material to rural educators in Wyoming for over 50 years. Committed to quality education for Wyoming’s children, the Jim and Audrey Bailey Foundation supports a number of scholarship programs for students in the region. Scholarship: Jim and Audrey Bailey Foundation Scholarship

Karel Mathisen

When Karel Mathisen’s late husband Ron began his 32-year career with Casper College, he was a single father raising three children on his own. The college provided him with the financial stability he desperately needed to provide for his children. This scholarship is a tribute to him and is to be awarded to men just like him, single fathers trying to make a better life for themselves and their children. Scholarship: Ron Mathisen Memorial Scholarship

Kiwanis Club of Casper

The Casper Kiwanis Club was chartered on May 1, 1921. Kiwanis empowers communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children. Their mission is, “Building communities, one child at a time.” The Noland and Winter Memorial Scholarship gives preference to current or previous members of Builders Club, Key Club, Circle K or Kiwanis Club. Scholarship: Noland and Winter Memorial Scholarship https://www.facebook.com/kiwanisclubofcasper/?fref=ts

Kraen Family

Thanks to their mother’s unwavering support for education, the Kraen sisters decided to build a scholarship to honor her. The Kraen sisters have a multi-generational connection to Casper College and they wanted to give back to the college because they too received scholarships when they attended Casper College. They started small and didn’t let the fact that they are not a wealthy family stop them from establishing a scholarship fund. Those little steps led to a fully endowed scholarship. Students with the greatest needs can continue receiving the scholarship if they are working hard toward their educational goals. They are pleased that through their contributions the scholarship will outlast them and continue to help those in need achieve their educational goals long into the future. Scholarship: Kraen Family Scholarship

Linda Galbreath

Education was important to B.E. Galbreath and because of that his daughter Linda began the B.E. Galbreath Memorial Scholarship. Bernard was an accountant during his career in Natrona County. His good works carry on through the students he helps every year through scholarship assistance. Scholarship: B.E. Galbreath Memorial Scholarship

Mary Lou Lowers

Mary Lou Lowers believed in Casper College and she believed in it enough to leave 10% of her estate to fund an endowed scholarship to help students in the health science program obtain their goals and give back to the community. Her gift helps students and the communities where the students establish their careers of helping others. Scholarship: Clayton and Mary Lou Lowers Health Science Scholarship

Minerva B. Landers

Minerva B. Landers was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada in 1916. She and her four siblings each became school teachers because their parents felt it was a profession of the ‘highest calling’. During the Depression, each child left home in their early teens. Minerva worked as a nanny and a housekeeper to send money to her parents. Each child helped a younger sibling though college. Minerva graduated from Minot State College in 1938 with majors in English and science and a minor in math. She earned her M.A. from the University of Wyoming in 1964. She taught first grade, high school science and math for close to 50 years. She also served as the Casper College Men’s Basketball team coach. She married Harvey J. Landers in Riverton in 1942. They raised four children, Dr. Harvey J. Landers, Dr. James W. Landers, Patricia L. Johnson, and Barbara A. Landers. Scholarship: Minerva B. Landers Scholarship

Nichols Family Scholarship

The children of Ted and Sharon Nichols established the Ted. M and Sharon D. Nichols Scholarship in memory of their parents. Sharon Dickensheets Nichols was an alumna of Casper College and served on the Casper College Board of Trustees, the Casper College Foundation Board and the Casper College Alumni Association Board. At the time of her passing, she was president of the Casper College Board of Trustees. The Sharon D. Nichols Auditorium is named in her memory. She was an active member of the Casper community, serving on many committees and non-profit boards. Sharon was the managing director of the Wyoming Trucking Association and editor of the Wyoming Trucker Magazine. She later served as the executive director of the Western Highway Institute. Ted Nichols was an prominent Wyoming educator and coach. Ted was vice-principal at East Junior High and Kelly Walsh High School and Principal at Roosevelt School before returning to the classroom at CY Junior High. His career in education spanned 37 years.

Paul Hallock

The Paul Hallock Student Leadership Award was established in June 2011. Hallock was the student body president from 1964-65 and went on to Phillips University in Oklahoma. He was employed at Casper College from 1978 to 2011. He served as a counselor, Director of Admissions, Director of Planning/Development, and finally as the Executive Director of the Casper College Foundation before retiring in 2011. The award in his honor recognizes one student annually for leadership, service, commitment, dedication, and achievement. Scholarship: Paul Hallock Student Leadership Award

Dr. Philip Gordy

Dr. Philip D. Gordy was a renowned Casper neurosurgeon who began his medical career in France and Germany while serving in WWII. After the war, he became a neurosurgical consultant for all of northern France while Europe rebuilt. Dr. Gordy moved to Casper, WY in 1973 and worked in neurosurgery until his retirement in 1986. He participated in the Literacy Volunteer program at Casper College and was a donor to many of Casper’s charities and cultural institutions. His interests included history (particularly Roman history and the Holocaust), philosophy, lathe work, and languages. Dr. Gordy studied Spanish, French, German, Polish, and Latin. Scholarship: Dr. Philip Gordy World Languages Scholarship

Reeb Family

James J. Reeb was raised in Casper and attended Casper College. After becoming an ordained minister, he advocated for human rights and was killed in a civil rights incident on March 11, 1965 in Selma, Alabama. Reeb’s death provoked mourning throughout the country, and tens of thousands held vigils in his honor. President Lyndon B. Johnson called Reeb’s widow and father to express condolences, and on March 15 invoked Reeb’s memory when he delivered a draft of the Voting Rights Act to Congress. Reeb’s story is included in the Academy Award nominated film for best picture, “Selma.” Today, Casper College offer a memorial scholarship in his name which is need of funding. Read his granddaugher’s article on his legacy. Scholarship: James J Reeb Memorial Scholarship

Ruth Combs

Myrtle Wooster was born in southeast Ohio in 1898. In 1913 she received a certificate of completion which allowed her to receive further education at any Ohio state high school or trade school. In 1917, at the age of 19, she graduated from the Good Samaritan Hospital Training School for Nurses in Zanesville, Ohio. She received her registered nurse license from the state of Ohio in 1919. She married Ray Wooster in 1920 and moved to Texas where Ray worked in the oil field. Although she did not practice for an extended length of time in the nursing field, she was an avid reader and an advocate for women and for higher education. Upon her death in 1965, a nursing scholarship was established at Casper College in the name of Myrtle and Ray Wooster. In 2016 this scholarship became part of the Casper College Foundation and was endowed by their daughter, Ruth Combs. Scholarship: Myrtle and Ray Wooster Nursing Scholarship

Zula and Deryl Safford

Zula Greenlee Safford was born in 1932 in Vaiden, Mississippi. Deryl was born in 1930 in Franklin County, Texas. He married Zula Greenlee on August 3, 1957 in Casper. Deryl was a retired public accountant and owner of Solo Oil Company. He was a leader in many service organizations including the Casper Shrine Club, Korein Temple, and Masonic Lodge. Zula received a degree in education from Delta State University. She taught for 33 years begining her career in Mississippi and Texas. She spent 30 years teaching in Casper, at Grant and Manor Heights and Garfield Elementary Schools. Twenty-seven of those years were at Garfield. Friends speak of her pride when one of her former students would come up and thank her for the difference she had made in their lives. She held high expectations for former students and often followed them throughout their college years. She was a church elder at the First Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir. Recognizing financial help would always be appreciated, they later established a permanently endowed scholarship with the Casper College Foundation. She passed away on January 7, 2010, following Deryl, who died January 28, 1998. Scholarship: Zula and Deryl Safford Scholarship

We are constantly working on adding new donor stories to this list- If you have information about a donor and would like to share please email us at foundation@caspercollege.edu